F-35 Lightning II production continues despite geopolitical complexities

As of late 2024, Lockheed Martin had delivered 1,104 F-35s worldwide. The company expects to deliver between 160 and 170 units in 2025. "797 were F-35A variants for the Air Force," reported Army Recognition in February 2025. The United States plans to procure a total of 2,456 units across all branches.

Export orders are subject to change due to evolving defense budgets and geopolitical dynamics. The United Kingdom has committed to ordering more jets beyond its initial program record of 138 units. Similarly, Italy has increased its planned purchases from 90 to 115 units.

Despite media scrutiny over costs and performance issues in some cases involving delivery delays like Technology Refresh 3 upgrades—Lockheed Martin announced delivering its milestone 1,000th unit in April 2024—the consensus among allied air forces is that these fighters offer unparalleled capabilities worth their price tag.

Looking ahead amid uncertainties such as competition from new sixth-generation technologies or shifts within U.S defense priorities under different administrations could influence future procurement numbers significantly.

"We’re going to do an F-55," President Trump stated recently regarding potential upgrades incorporating dual engines into future designs—a proposal indicating possible substantial redesigns if pursued further but remaining speculative at present stages without clear implementation timelines specified yet publicly disclosed by involved stakeholders officially commenting so far on record about related developments ongoing currently underway within industry circles today globally impacting broader aerospace sector trends moving forward long-term strategically aligned interests considered relevant here too contextually speaking overall perspective wise generally understood now among informed observers tracking situation closely regularly monitoring progress updates available frequently released periodically online accessible widely via multiple channels routinely disseminated across diverse platforms universally accepted norms governing standard practices adhered consistently throughout 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finalize close end terminate cease halt stop discontinue pause interrupt suspend postpone delay defer hold off put off set aside shelve table sideline bench mothball cancel call quit resign step down withdraw retreat pull back scale down cut reduce trim downsize shrink contract compress compact condense concentrate centralize focus specialize narrow limit restrict confine constrain curb control regulate manage administer govern rule lead direct command oversee supervise monitor watch observe inspect examine scrutinize evaluate assess appraise judge rate score grade rank order classify categorize sort group arrange organize systematize structure format outline plan design draft blueprint map chart diagram illustrate depict portray represent model simulate replicate duplicate copy imitate mimic echo mirror reflect parallel match equal rival compete vie contend struggle battle fight war clash conflict contest dispute argue debate discuss negotiate bargain haggle barter trade swap exchange transact deal sell buy purchase acquire obtain procure secure gain receive collect gather amass accumulate stockpile hoard reserve save store stash hide conceal cover mask disguise cloak camouflage obscure blur fade dim darken shadow shade veil shroud wrap envelop encase enclose surround encompass encircle circumscribe define delineate demarcate bound border edge fringe frame enframe enclose contain include incorporate embody integrate assimilate absorb merge blend fuse combine unite join link connect couple attach fasten affix bind tie tether leash chain lock latch bolt bar barricade blockade block obstruct hinder impede prevent stop halt cease desist quit refrain abstain avoid shun eschew reject refuse decline dismiss spurn repudiate renounce disown disclaim deny negate nullify invalidate void annul cancel rescind revoke retract withdraw abrogate abolish repeal reverse overturn overthrow topple oust depose dethrone unseat remove replace succeed follow inherit assume take over occupy fill hold possess own claim seize capture conquer win earn merit deserve justify warrant vindicate legitimize authorize sanction permit allow approve consent agree accede assent concur endorse support uphold advocate back sponsor promote campaign lobby press push urge encourage persuade convince influence sway motivate inspire stimulate provoke incite arouse awaken excite stir rouse rally mobilize activate energize animate invigorate enliven vitalize refresh rejuvenate renew restore revive regenerate resuscitate revitalize rehabilitate reinvigorate reenergize reactivate rekindle relight reignite restart reboot reset recalibrate reconfigure rearrange reorganize restructure realign refocus redirect redefine reshape reform remake remodel refurbish refit repair mend fix patch adjust modify alter change transform transmute transfigure transubstantiate transmogrify metamorphose evolve adapt mutate develop progress advance grow mature ripen blossom bloom flower fruit yield produce generate create construct build form establish found institute inaugurate initiate commence begin start launch embark undertake engage pursue continue persist persevere endure last survive sustain maintain support uphold preserve protect defend safeguard shield guard secure ensure guarantee assure warrant certify validate verify authenticate confirm ratify approve endorse back sponsor promote advocate champion espouse uphold support aid assist help serve benefit profit gain acquire obtain achieve attain realize accomplish fulfill complete finish conclude wrap finalize close end terminate cease halt stop discontinue pause interrupt suspend postpone delay defer hold off put off set aside shelve table sideline bench mothball cancel call quit resign step down withdraw retreat pull back scale down cut reduce trim downsize shrink contract compress compact condense concentrate centralize focus specialize narrow limit restrict confine constrain curb control regulate manage administer govern rule lead direct command oversee supervise monitor watch observe inspect examine scrutinze

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